Key Identification Features
- Females of different social standing can also be distinguished by their physical traits: primary females are larger than secondary or tertiary females, and show more mandibular and wing wear.
- This species has distinctive maxillae adapted to make perforations in corolla tubes to reach nectaries.
- Across this species' geographic range, there are numerous distinct color forms, which has led to the species being published and recorded under many different scientific names.
- Females additionally have distinct reddish orange scopal hairs on their hind tibia.
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